Ed Middleton

Skipjack Maddox 1859 Ed Middleton

In the year 1859 on the banks of the Ohio River in Creekside, Ky., a small community upstream from Louisville, Skipjack Maddox (Riverboat Bill's grandfather) lived upon a couple hundred acres of land and managed a river bank tavern that served river boats of all types and customers of all walks of life. There was a bustling kitchen and a good bar, so the Tavern was a destination for land lubbers as well. But in that year Skipjack and his wife Marcie and 11 year old son Billy became ensnared in the cross currents that were rending the nation. Suddenly it seemed the rot of slavery had infected or at least affected all strata of society. Lawlessness and bullheaded hardheartedness sprouted like weeds, as it became more and more obvious there was no easy way to escape the approaching chaos of violent dissolution. Abolitionists and slave holders were solidly cast on opposing sides and as the society began to crumble, there were slave snatchers, runaway slave hunters, runaway slaves, crooked politicians and then pirates, who would steal anything and would kill anyone but slaves they could enlist or sell. Of course, many citizens stood for freedom and decency. Marcie and Skipjack were among them. However, Skipjack Maddox harbored a secret. Unbeknownst even to Marcie, his beloved wife, Skipjack was an active participant in the Underground Railroad and rowed runaway slaves across the water to liberty. How this was accomplished is a shrouded mystery embedded in this compelling tale. Brother Tim, a riverboat card sharp, shows up intent on converting the tavern into a casino/brothel enterprise. After persuasion fails, Tim joins a she pirate and her mates and all hell busts loose, as in league with shady backers and a greedy sheriff, they endeavor to destroy Skipjack's life and family. Unexpected alliances form and bond to thwart this wicked assault. Abiding love, faith, courage and an unlikely hero or two navigate currents dragging all inexorably into the maelstrom of The Civil War. Even so, Skipjack Maddox 1859 is a tale of healing triumph. You may weep, you will laugh and smile.